Strategic Documents

Introduction

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department (CRFD) is one of about 220 internationally accredited agencies through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).

CRFD is committed to a continuous improvement process that encompasses a comprehensive self-assessment and evaluation model that examines past, current and future levels of service and performance, then compares them to industry best practices.

Each year, CRFD reviews and reports on its performance against established baselines (what we say we are capable of) and benchmarks (a measured improvement in performance, or goal), as well as progress toward strategic goals adopted by a team of department members.

Self-evaluation documents

International accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International requires comprehensive self-evaluation of a fire and emergency service agency at every level.

At the center of the accreditation model is a continuous improvement philosophy that drives the Fire Department to 1) examine every part if its service delivery and 2) strive to improve, using industry best practices as a goal.

As part of this self-evaluation process, the department must generate three documents:

Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan is a three-year plan developed with community input regarding their service priorities, expectations and concerns of the department, as well as any strengths and/or weaknesses they have observed. The department then convened a small strategic planning team to establish goals and objectives for the next three years to ensure that the CRFD could strive to achieve its vision, “Be the Best – at providing emergency and prevention services”, and meet its mission of “High Customer Satisfaction – through quality preparation and excellent service”. The Strategic Plan is review and updated as part of CRFD’s annual department retreat.

Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover

The Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover (SOC) is a cornerstone document in the international accreditation model that describes and defines a community-based risk assessment and documents historical performance based on call type risk and population. This includes a general overview of Castle Rock Fire and Rescue to include community served, department history, service milestones, topography, disaster potential and much more. The data has been compiled from January 2007 through the end of 2011. The document was unanimously approved by Town Council May 29, 2012.

The Standards of Cover is a very large document to download. You may view it online, or stop by Fire Headquarters, 300 N. Perry St., to view a copy.

Self-assessment manual

The Self-Assessment Manual (SAM) document is an extensive review of all department functions. The manual covers 10 categories and 280 performance criteria. These categories range from how the department is legally founded to how it provides each of its program services, to details such as maintaining an adequate administrative support structure.

Levels of service analysis

The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department spent more than two years researching, compiling and writing the necessary documents in preparation for its initial accreditation, granted in August 2012. As a result of the accreditation team’s efforts, the Department identified gaps in service and projected future service needs to address community growth.

• Implemented a third full-time medic unit to serve the Founders Village area.
• Identified the future need for a fire station in the Crystal Valley area.
• Update the internal standards for the number and type of units responding to a given incident.
• Continued work with the Douglas County Regional Communications Center to implement an upgraded computer-aided dispatch system, allowing for a more dynamic fire-dispatching process.
Standards of Cover

Master Plan

The master plan is a five-year plan that addresses the department capabilities based on the current deployment model. The master plan identifies characteristics that directly influence the department’s ability to respond to calls for service while maintaining appropriate levels of service and adequate resources for simultaneous incidents. Based on the tenants, thresholds, and performance guidelines within the 2014 – 2019 Fire Master Plan, the Town of Castle Rock Town Council has approved the planning of a fifth fire station in the Crystal Valley Area. This station is scheduled to be open for service in the 4th quarter of 2018.